Distilling apparatus



Aug- 28, 1934- J. E. sHuLzE r-:r AL 1,971,355

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Aug. 28, 1934. J. E. SCHULZE ET AL DISTILLING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 original Filed lay- 16. 1922 V Nm-Q7 Aug- 28, 1934- J. E. scHULzE ET AL 1,971,355

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DI STILLING APPARATUS Original Filed May 16. 1922 6 Sheets-Sheetv 6 *if v Y N' @WQ Patented ug. 28, 1934 UNITED `STATES PATENT oer-lcs 1,971,355 ms'rlLLrNG APPARATUS Louisiana Application May 16, 1922, Serial No. 561,393 Renewed December 19, 1931 9 Claims.

This invention relates to distilling apparatus; and it is concerned more particularly with appa-4 ratuslof especially greatutility in the distillation or'rening of oils such as petroleum and fractions thereof, petroleum and other oil residues, and the like.

A principal object of the invention is to provide distilling apparatus of a type by means of which distillation vapors may be conducted directly and expeditiously away from or out of the heating zone in which they are evolved, Without substantial reuxing to said heating zone. Another and general object of the invention is to provide apparatus by means of which distillation can be conducted with maximum rapidity and with exposure of the material undergoing distillation to heat for a minimum period of time. A further object is to provide apparatus of the character above set forth which is especially adapted for distillation under reduced pressure and, in particular, under extremely low absolute pressure of an order of magnitude corresponding to only a few milli` meters of mercury. Still another object of the invention is to provide apparatus of comparatively simple construction wherein the foregoing and other desirable objects can be attained effectively in commercial practice.

With the foregoing objects in view, as well as others which will become apparent from the description hereinafter, our invention consists in the novel parts, features of construction, and combinations of parts which will rst be describedv in connection with speciiic illustrative examples of apparatus embodying the novel principles involved and will then be more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Generally described, apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention, embodies a dis-l tilling chamber proper which may be of any well known or suitable shape, but which is most desirably one of the horizontal cylindrical type, having in conjunction therewith provision for an ample vapor space above the maximumliquid level maintained in the distillation chamber, together with vapor offtake means of capacity ample to ensure that the distillation vapors may pass rapidly from the aforesaid vapor space; the Whole arrangement being such as to facilitate to a maximum degree the free and rapid passage of evolved vapors into the vapor space above the material being distilled and thence away to a place of condensation. In particular it is desirable that, generally speaking, vapors evolved in diierent localities in the distillation chamber shall all be able to reach a point of exit from the vapor space with approximately the same distance of travel, and apparatus falling Within the scope of the present invention is designed in such manner as to substantially accomplish this purpose. With the foregoing generally described assemblage of apparatus elements are combined auxiliary features such as condensing means, receiving means for condensate, and, where the apparatus is to be used for distillation under reduced pressure, ap-

propriate means for producing and maintaining the desired degree of vacuum in the system. As will appear, the apparatus is especially well adapted for distillation of petroleum oils and residua under very low pressure in accordance with the process described and claimed in the prior application of John Eschulze, Serial No. 544,931, led March 18, 1922 (Patent No. 1,448,709, March 13, 1923); but the apparatus is also capable of use in distillation methods generally, including, for A example, distillation at normal pressure, either with or without steam.

The provision for obtaining ample vapor space in conjunction with the distillation chamber proper may take various forms, but in general it is found in practice that the most satisfactory provision for this purpose is some form of dome means that extends either continuously or not, but most desirably continuously, over at least the major portion of the distillation chamber proper.

Such an arrangement satisfies the requirement that different portions of Vapor, although evolved or originating in different localities of the distil lation chamber, have to travel only about the same distance in passing into the vapor space and making an exit therefrom. In the most desirable emi" bodiment of our novel apparatus now known to us, such dome means is practically co-extensive with the exposed upper surface of the body of liquid in the distillation chamber, and there should be free and unobstructed communication.l

between the distillation chamber proper and said dome means. The requirement for free and un obstructed communication is not to be understood as excluding proper employment of means to guard against mechanical carrying over of entrained liquid particles with the distillation vapors; but in any case the presence of anything that substantially restricts or throttles the flowI of vapor from its point of evolution into and through the vapor space and offtake means should be avoided for attainment of best results.

The vapor offtake means cooperating with the aforesaid provision for ample Vapor space should, in accordance with the principles of the inven tion, be of such character as to ensure continued Cll area may be provided leading from the vapor domeV at relatively closely spaced intervals along the entire extent thereof so that streams of vapor may :dow in parallel therefrom. Whether the dome means be continuous or not over the entire extent of the surface of liquid in the still chamber proper, the series of offtakes in the particular arrangement just mentioned should most desirably be of such character and arrangement as to provide vapor outflow paths having their entrances distributed all along the longitudinal extent of the dome. In this way the distillation vapors, no mattei' in what part of the still they are evolved, have only a certain distance to travel before finding an exit, which distance is approximately uniform for all parts of the still. Another forni which ne oftake means may take, and one which possesses particular advantages in actual practice, is a construction which can be considered to be a plural-ity of goosenecks or oiftakes merged into a unitary ofrtake member which is substantially ccs-extensive with the dome means, thus providing a vapor exit that is substantially continuous along the entire length, say, of the dome means without any separation into parallel streams of outfiowing vapor other than as may be effected incidentally by the provision of proper internal structural bracing of the offtake means in question. -In general, whatever form of distributed offtake means is employed should be of such character and arrangement as to provide free and unrestrained exit'of the vapors from the vapor space above the still proper and to avoid creating any back pressure in the still. The offtake means may advantageously be such as to favor rapid condensation of the distillation vapors therein and iiow of the condensate ,in adirection away from the aforesaid vapor space. This is in contrast to 'the effect desired in the dome means or vapor space where condensation of the vapors and consequent reiuxing thereof to the still proper are to be avoided as far as possible.

The principles underlying our invention will now be explained in greater detail in connection with certain specic practical still constructions embodying the principles of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof. The particular constructions chosen for purposes of explanation vare especially adapted for use in distillation at very low absolute pressures. It is yto be understood, however, that the constructions so illustrated and hereinafter described merely typical of constructions falling within the scope of the invention, and that the invention is not in any sense restricted to the specific details here illustrated by vway of a concrete explanatory example.

In 'the drawings referred to,

Fig. l is a rea-r elevation of an apparatus installation embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof; Y

Fig. 3 is a top plan of said installation, and

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are similar views, respectively, of a somewhat different specific construction also embodying the principles of the invention.

Referring iii-st more particularly to the instal- -is ofthe well known horizontal cylindrical type suitably suspended, as shown, from an overhead framework ll and having its lower portion encased infbrickwork i2, said brickwork also housing firing means of any suitable character permitting of close regulation and control. Surmounting the horizontal cylindrical still l0 is what maybe termed a manifold vapor dome i3, which is generally semi-elliptical in cross-section with its sides flaring downward from the rounded top' to Vthe-lines where its lower edges are secured to thecooperating edges of the opening provided in the upper side of the horizontal cylindrical still vliland extending its entire length. As here shown, said manifold dome 13 extends the entire length of the still, providing a vapor space or chamber of substantial height labove the maxi- ,mumliquid llevel indicated by the dotted line a, said vapor space being directly accessible to vapors evolved Vin the still chamber below by direct vertical ascent and, in this instance, without any Yobstruction whatever to such vapor flow with thefexception of occasional internal bracing members 15 lor the like, the obstructing effect 0f which is negligible from a practical standpoint. In order that evolved vaporsinay be conducted ingenerally parallell streams simultaneously from substantiallyv all points along the length of the manifold dome, there is provided distributed olftake means comprising, in this instance, a suinciently large plurality of goose necks or vapor oiftakes 16, nine in this instance, each of Ythe series taking vapor from the dome near themedian lineof the dome at itstopmost portion. These vapor oltakes are of. ample dimensions in order to cooperate with the elongated dome means -13 in facilitating rapid removal of distillation vapors las fast as they are formed. The said f .goosenecks or oftakes 16 lead to vsuitable condenser or cooling means which Amay take various forms within our invention. The `form of condenser means here shown has certain vpractical advantages, however. In this arrangement each gooseneck 16 extends in a generally horizontal direction away from the vapor box 13, but has a slight downward slope toward a condenser or cooling coil 1'7 into which it discharges as shown. The nine condenser or 4cooling coils 17, corresponding to the nine offtakes 16, are immersed in water -or other cooling liquid in a tank or box 17a. All the `condenser coils 17 discharge in this particular instance into amanifold orheader y18 arranged adjacent one end of the condenser box, said header 18 being connected Aby suitable piping 19, 20, and 21 to distillate-receiving tanks 22, into either of which the condensed distillate may be directed by proper manipulation of shutolf valves 23. Pipe 24, which is in communication with the piping 19, 20, 2l, goes to the intake of 4a vacuum pump indicated more or less diagrammatically at 25. This vacuum pump should be of a type capable of maintaining a reduced pressure of as low as 1.0 to 1.5 millimeters of mercury absolute throughout the entire system of still, condenser'and receiving tanks. Pumps of thischaracter are now obtainable commercially, and no special description thereof is neces.- sary here. i u

lill

Returning now to the still proper, it will be noted that the horizontal cylindrical body' of the still is internally braced and strengthened by peripheral or circumferential ribs 26 and crossbraces 26e. Said peripheral ribs 26 are interrupted or left open at the bottom of the still as indicated at 27 in order that the distillation residues may be Vdrawnoif easily in hot `fluid condition through the draw-off pipe 28 at the rear of the still. Said draw-olf pipe is connected to a residue line (not shown), from which, -in this instance, the still may also be charged.A The manifold vapor dome or box 13 may also be internally provided with lateral stifiening ribs 29 as shown, in addition to the cross braces 15 before mentioned. Since it is ordinarily desirable toavoid reiiuxing distillate back into the still, the upper portion of the cylindrical still body projecting above the brickwork 12, as well `as the manifold vapor dome 13 and the upwardly curving parts of Ythe goosenecks 16 may, if desired, be covered with lagging of heat insulating material to aid in preventing condensation of vapors on the walls of those portions of the apparatus. Such provision is not essentiaLihowever, as it is a simple matter to avoid substantial refluxing by' properly controlling the firing ofthe still. Condensation of a considerable proportion of vapors may and desirably does occur, however in those portions of the offtakes 16 that slope slightly downward toward the cooling coils 17, such condensation at this point aiding yery materially in maintaining the desired degree of lreduced pressure in the still, assuming that` the still is being operated under reduced pressure. Accordingly, means (not shown), may desirably beprovided to cool those portions of the offtakes 16, as, for example, by showering water thereupon. u

The manifold dome extends to a substantial height above the cylindrical body of the` still proper, both because it is desirable that the vapor space in said dome shall be ample, and also because it is desirable that the mouths of the offtakes 16 shall be at a considerable distance above the liquid level in the still in order to diminish the chances for mechanically carrying over liquid particles of oil with the distillation vapors. As regards the cubic capacity of the oiltake manifold dome it is well in practice to have this capacity as much as half the cubic capacity of the cylindrical still body, or thereabouts.` As before pointed out, this provision of ample cubic capacity for accommodating vapor flow should also be carried out in the case of the goosenecks or other offtake means. This arrangement makes for rapidity of distillation, whether under reduced pressure or not, thus cutting `down the period of time that the oil, for example, is exposed to distilling temperatures and consequently cutting down the amount of decomposition that would otherwise take place.

Without limiting the invention to the employment of any particular dimensions or proportions in the construction of the apparatus, specic dimensions may be referred to in connection with the type of apparatus just described for the purpose of indicating one example of proportions proper to employ in apparatus within our invention. In the particular instance here chosen for that purpose, the cylindrical still body of circular'cross section'may have an internal diameter of 5 feet and a length of 25 feet; while the manifold vapor dome or box may extend to a "i5 height of 51/2` feet above the center line ofthe cy# lindrical still Vbody and may be in the neighborhood of 31/2 feetwide where it joins said body. In general, for attainment of best results, we consider it undesirable for the Width of the dome, where it joinsV the still body, to be less in Width than one-'fourth the diameter of said body. The nine oiftakes or goosenecks are desirably of at least 6 inches internal diameter and may even be considerablylarger' to good advantage. They are desirably spaced apart substantially funiformly along the entire length of said manifold dome. In the specific example given, the combinedor aggregate cross-sectional area of the vapor outlets is approximately 1.4 per cent of the maximum cross-sectional area of the still.

' `It will be noted by reference more particularly to Figs. 1 and 3 that the offtakes leading from the manifold vapor dome 13 extend to different distances therefrom. In the present instance, the middle oiftake extends the farthest, going to the far side of the condenser tank to connect with its cooperating cooler or condenser coil; while the other offtakes are successively shorter on both sides of the middle offtake, the connections to the respective cooling coils being thus staggered on opposite sides of said middle oiftake.

i Each receiver 22 has a discharge pipe 30, valved at 31, by means of which the receiver may be emptied after closing the corresponding valve 23 and opening bleeder valve 32 to atmosphere. The receiver may be evacuated again by closing valves 31 and 32, and opening the corresponding valve v33 in the vacuum line` 34, which latter is connected by pipe 35 to the intake of auxiliary vacuum pump36 through valve 37. When the proper degree of vacuum has been reestablished in the receiver 22, valve 33 is closed and valve 23 is opened. The receivers can thus be emptied without breaking thevacuum in the system.

The dome 13 has a connection 38 to a manometer gage (not shown) and each receiver 22 is provided with a similar manometer connection 39.

The installation illustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 is similar in general principles of construction and `operation to that previously described, but it embodies certain particularly desirable features and'arrangements that oifer important practical advantages in some respects. In this installation, the horizontal cylindrical still body 10 and numerous other constructional features are the same as previously described, and the same reference numerals are therefore employed to indicate parts that are substantially the same in both constructions. The still body is suspended from framework 11a. The manifold vapor dome is somewhat taller than in the installation first described; and the oiftake system, insteadof consisting of separate pipes entering the top o f said vapor dome at spaced points along the length thereof, consists of a flattened vapor box or Voiftake member 51 extending continuously the entire length of the manifold vapor dome, and communicating therewith all along one side thereof near the top, as shown. Said vapor box leadsv directly away laterally and slightly downward from the top of said dome, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. Said oiftake or vapor box member 51 may be internally braced by I-plates 52 or the like arranged parallel to each other and to the direction of vaporflow in such manner as to offer the minimum obstruction to such vapor flow; and said I-plates may be transversely apertured as indicated at 53, for'example. The vapor box 51 may terminate in a manifold 54-from which lead extension outages tor ,aopseneolas5,5-v dritter., whiehirnay be Aof srnaller .diameter thanztne offtake .5 1, .Serve to lead .any-.unoondens.ed polis from. the manifold ..511 to .cooling .or dende coils .17 Whionin -thisinstanee are thecserne essential respects` as vthose described in .donneetion 4with the rsft torrent apparatus- Beyond these coils 5.1.7., .the .remainderof the :apparatus parts are substantially :the seine asalrready .desoribed.

Atoisindioateda balernernber o rlip tenured to theinner .wall of-.the vapor .donie fiustbel. the exit opening by .which the vapors pass the .ofttalre .member 5.5.1.- .This battle -.5 .6 z.enteritis the whole .lens-tuoi tnedenie Vand unile Letterine no .objectionable obstruetiop :to the .flow ,or vapor inseidoiitalre, .doeshav tneeiieot of preventing liquid o il droplets Irontbeins .swept up die adiaeent wall of vthe vapor dome .and over into the sooseneolr .member 5.1- es before, the 'portion Iof the cylindrical still that is exposed above the briekwork, as well the dome 5.0., :tney -be-lessed .with insulation if `desired :to prevent :Condensation .of the :vapors and renuirins. v Co ndensation of vaporsin the vapor box or ofi eimember -5-1 is unobjectionabie, however, and in .toet Lit is desirable to relieve Ithat poiitionof the Lsy, s teI,-nfrom vapors by rapid oondensationand thus .-iaeilitate very rapid vpassage of vapors o the vapor box `from the vapor dome. .The fold .5 4 fis inolined slightly .toward one rend ...ere :drain .oonneotion 5.7 serves ;to transfer -eondensate from manifold teinte anadiaoent pitture-.extension 5 5., as shown. .Condensation -tlie vapori-box or-offteke member .51 mayedvantaeeously y be lfaoilitated, if desired, v.by any suitable '.ooolins ineens, .in addition to aircoolinggasfor example by the use of suitable .Water spray-,means '(not-Shwh).

This nat vapor boxfforrn-of :distributedofttelre Very greatly increases the rate at which distillation can be carried gon, and we consider itione of the'best forms hoivknpwn to us.

Again without limiting the invention in any way to particular dimensions ifor. proportions in actual construction, i-t -may be stated lthat in yone particularly desirable practical installation of the type -last described, zWhere the horizontal oylindrioal still proper :had an interior fdierneter of 5 feet and a length kof J2 5 feet,as -befororit-was found desirable to have the dome 5 0 extend toa height of 6'1/2 feet above the conter line of ysaid cylindrical still body; While-thevertical Width of the flat .vapor boxl in that particular .construction V.was 2a inches at vvthe jmouth or point -of junction Withthe dome, Ynarrowing to 116 finchosadjacent the manifold 551.

All piping from the Vapor ollaliellfletns yClQii/l through to the receivers should "be r.of such ample diameter'as always to ensure a reespace Aabove liquid passing therethrough. This -is important. especially where the/apparatus .is-.used forvacuum distillation, to ensure proper -action 'of `themain vacuum pump 25 -in V,establishing the desired extremely low pressure Ithroughout vthe Whole systern including especially the stillitself. 'In order to avoid leakage oair linto vthe system, with consequent poor .vacuum .as Well as oxidation .and discoloration of the distilleries, great .oarernust be exercised to obtain absolutely tiehtioints. :Vile find it .advisable -in practice toelectrically Weldall joints ift-rein the junction of tneidorne .With-the still body to and .including the sonnent-ions of the condenser oeils i117 to :theel-.leader er manifold i8;- .Frorn .there fon tto Athe ;.reo e ivers, .the Joints are rerrposed -toioonsiderably .less beat andare-notneoes- .sarily weldedl .We .claim is.:

,1....Distil1ins apparatus Comprising the oornbination, .with a distillation .Chamber proper having .the maior portion of its upper part open, of dorne .means .suirnounting said. chamber and .Cooperating with suoh .open upper part to provide en enclosed vapor space, C Qmmunication between said chamber and Said dome means ybeing substantiallyunobstructed, largecapacity oitake means leadingfrorn said domevmeans, and vacuum pump means connected .to said ofitake means and ca- .pable .of maintaining said chamber under 10W absolute pressure during distillation.

,2. :Distilling apparatus comprising the combination, with a distillation chamber proper having the major portion of its upper part open, of dome means surmounting said chamber and cooperatills with such open .upper part to provide an enclosed vaporspaca communication between said chamber and said dome means being substantially unobstructed, vapor ofitake means providring a distributed exit for vapors from said dome means, and .vacuum pump means connected to said Aofztalze means and capable of maintaining said chamber under low absolute pressure during distillation..

r3. -Distilling apparatus comprising the combination, with a distillation chamber proper, of cooperating jdomemeanssurmounting said chamberand providing a yvapor space having substantially unobstructed communication with said chamber and being vdirectly accessible to vapor from all parts of the surface of a body of liquid 2;]

in said chamber by paths of substantially equal length, large-capacity ofitake means leading from said dome means, and vacuum pump means connected to said oiftake means and capable of maintaining said vchamber under low labsolute,

pressure duringv distillation.

A, `Distilling apparatus Comprising the combination, rtWth a distilation chamber proper, of cooperating dome means providing a vapor space having substantially unobstructed communica- 2..;

tion with .said chamber and being directly accessible to vapor fromall parts of the surface of a body of fliquid-in said chamber by paths of substa-ntially equal length, vapor oftake means providing a distributed exit for vapors Afrom said f;y

dome zmeans, and vacuum pump means connected'to saidoitake means and capable of maintaining `said chamber under low absolute pressure during distillation.

5. Distilling apparatus comprising a horizontal cylindrical still body providing a distillation chamber surmounted by dome means extending over the greater part of said still body and having substantially unobstructed communication with said chamber, in combinationwith relatively V large-capacity offtake `means for taking vapor from said dome means at a plurality of points, and vvacuum pump-meansconnected to said ofitake means and capable of maintaining said chamber under low absolute pressure during distilletion.

6- .Distilline apparatus Comprising the combination., .with .a .horizontal Cylindrical still body,

of .a dorne surrriounting the same and substenmeansreonneetedito .saidioitake means andeapal ble of maintaining said chamber under low absolute pressure during distillation.

7. Distillation apparatus comprising the combination, with a horizontal cylindrical still body providing a distillation chamber of a dome surmounting the sameand having substantially unobstructed communication therewith for the major part of the length of the still body through an opening not substantially narrower than onefourth the diameter of said still body, largecapacity oitake means leading from said dome, and Vacuum pump means connected to said offtake means and capable of maintaining said chamber under low absolute pressure during distillation.

8. Distilling apparatus comprising the combination, with a horizontal cylindrical still body, of a dome surmounting the same and communieating therewith for the major part of the length of the still body through an opening not substantially narrower than one-fourth the diameter of said still body, and offtake means in the form of a flat vapor box communicating with said dome through a substantially continuous vapor outlet extending practically the entire length of said dome.

9. Distilling apparatus comprising the combination, with a horizontal cylindrical still body, of a dome surmounting the same and communieating therewith for the major part of the still body through an opening not substantially narrower than one-fourth the diameter of said still body, vapor offtake means in the form of a flat vapor box communicating With said dome through a substantially continuous Vapor outlet extending practically the entire length of said dome, a manifold or header into which vapors pass from said flat vapor box, a plurality of oitakes leading therefrom respectively into separate condensing or cooling coils, and a header or manifold into which said coils lead.

JOHN E. SCHULZE. THOMAS E. McARDLE. 

